• Condo listed on Craigslist and Kijiji: November 5, 2012
• Condo listed with an agent: November 26, 2012
• Offer received: December 13, 2012
• Offer signed back and confirmed: December 14, 2012
• Deposit received: December 15, 2012

I can’t begin to describe the stress I felt during that month and a half. It wasn’t exactly fun for Adam either because he had to deal with me and my anxiety. I got so stressed out that my heart was pounding at one point. I assume that’s not healthy.

We had a few showings and interest in the condo when we tried to lease it out on our own, but nothing solid ever came through. We had both expected our condo to get snapped up right away seeing as how we’re located in the downtown core and our building is pretty nice and new. Everyday I sat by my laptop waiting for emails, and I got my hopes up for every single showing we had. I was pretty ridiculous.

By the last week of November, Adam and I decided to give in and seek the help of an agent. Adam’s sister (Mary) let us harass her boyfriend (Amir) for help. Amir is an agent and listed the condo for us. (As an observation, we got a lot more showings through MLS than we did on Craigslist & Kijiji.)

We did receive a few unofficial offers during the month and a half, but the deal was never quite right. The potential tenant(s) either offered us an unreasonably low price; their credit worthiness was questionable; or he/she was a bit of a douchebag.

Adam had his head on straight the entire time, while I jumped at nearly every offer that came through because I was so desperate to get it over with. The holidays were quickly approaching, so I was worried that no one would be looking for a place to rent during this time. We had already bought 5 plane tickets each, and I really didn’t want to try leasing the condo out from overseas. On the flip side, Adam was confident that everything will work out somehow, even if he didn’t know how. He insisted that we take a step back and only accept offers that don’t put us at risk. As a result, many arguments ensued.

I’d like to think that Adam and I rarely fight. We have never yelled or thrown things at each other, never called each other names (“jerkface” doesn’t count right?) or stormed off. If we ever argued, we would always be able to resolve the situation in a reasonable way. This was probably the first time we were both seriously pissed off with the other person.

In hindsight, and I hate to admit it, but I’m glad that Adam didn’t let me do anything stupid. I was full on ready to hand our condo over to two students with no income. Their rent was to be paid by their parents and I saw no problem with that. It’s possible that that arrangement could’ve gone smoothly, but if it didn’t, it would’ve been hell for us to try and chase these people down for rent while we’re travelling. You’d think I’d know better after seeing some shitty things happen during my accounting career, but nope!

Today we’ve received the deposit, making the lease agreement a done deal, and with 16 days till our departure date! We managed to get the condo leased furnished, so we don’t have to worry about moving all our furniture out. We need to buy a few things that the tenants expect because it is actually a company that’s leasing the place for its employees, but that’s not too big of a deal.

Needless to say, we’re both extremely relieved that this is done! In hindsight again, a month and a half to rent a place out really isn’t that bad.

This experience has taught me that 1. I would make a terrible real estate agent, and 2. I really need to be patient, positive and let things work out.

Amir, if you’re reading this, we can’t thank you enough for your help.

Feature Image: PJMixer